Pitt Players Boost NFL Draft Hopes at Pro Day

Wide receiver Deuce Spann and defensive end Joey Zelinsky impress scouts with standout performances.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:07am

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The 2026 Pitt Panthers Pro Day saw 15 draft-eligible players work out in front of NFL scouts, with wide receiver Deuce Spann and defensive end Joey Zelinsky emerging as the two biggest standouts. Spann showcased his athleticism with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and 38-inch vertical, while Zelinsky dominated the bench press and ran a respectable 4.78-second 40. Though neither player is expected to be drafted, their strong Pro Day showings could lead to opportunities as undrafted free agents.

Why it matters

Pitt's Pro Day is an important event for players looking to boost their NFL draft stock. While star player Kyle Louis was expected to perform well, the surprise standout performances of Spann and Zelinsky could open doors for them to earn roster spots in the league, even if they aren't selected in the draft.

The details

Spann, a wide receiver, impressed with his size (6-foot-4, 201 pounds) and athleticism, posting a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and 38-inch vertical. However, his limited college production at Illinois, Florida State and Pitt may make it difficult for him to be drafted. Zelinsky, a defensive end, dominated the bench press with 26 reps and ran a 4.78-second 40, showcasing his strength and speed as an edge rusher. The Eastern Michigan transfer had decent production in college but is also likely to go undrafted.

  • The 2026 Pitt Panthers Pro Day took place on March 27, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held on April 23-25, 2026.

The players

Deuce Spann

A wide receiver who transferred to Pitt for the 2025 season after playing quarterback at Illinois and wide receiver at Florida State. He impressed at Pro Day with his size and athleticism but has limited college production.

Joey Zelinsky

A defensive end who transferred to Pitt from Eastern Michigan. He dominated the bench press at Pro Day and ran a respectable 40-yard dash, showcasing his strength and speed as an edge rusher.

Kyle Louis

A Pitt player expected to perform well at Pro Day, as this was not his first time working out in front of NFL scouts.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held on April 23-25, 2026, where Spann and Zelinsky will hope to be signed as undrafted free agents.

The takeaway

Pitt's Pro Day provided an opportunity for lesser-known players like Spann and Zelinsky to showcase their skills and potentially earn a chance to compete for an NFL roster spot, even if they don't hear their names called during the draft.